Post by TheShadow on Dec 4, 2003 18:54:59 GMT -5
www.bayarea.com
by Eric Gilmore
Raiders notebook
ALAMEDA -- Pittsburgh in December? The Raiders know what to expect Sunday at Heinz Field.
"We know it's going to be cold," Raiders coach Bill Callahan said Wednesday. "It's supposed to be a high of 33 and a low of 11 degrees with snow and wind. We'll do the best we can to accommodate those conditions."
That could mean even more handoffs to 235-pound running back Tyrone Wheatley, whose workload has grown substantially since season-ending injuries to quarterbacks Rich Gannon and Marques Tuiasosopo.
Wheatley leads the team in carries (117) and rushing yards (483). Wheatley carried only 88 times in 2001 and 108 times last season.
"That's funny when a lot of people say reborn or revitalized," Wheatley said. "It's having the opportunity to play. ... Now it's my turn to run the ball."
Quarterback Rick Mirer grew up in Indiana and played for Notre Dame. He knows cold.
"I don't mind it too much," Mirer said. "I've done that before."
Eye in the sky
Although they're eliminated from playoff contention, the Raiders still have incentive to play hard, Callahan said.
"I'm a firm believer that what you put on film is your resume," Callahan said. "That's heavily critiqued throughout the league. ... Regardless of what your record is, you're still trying to do your best."
Many of Callahan's players echoed that belief. They know they're playing for their jobs, either with the Raiders or one of the NFL's other 31 teams.
"These four games are critical for a lot of guys, especially when you're having a rough year," fullback Chris Hetherington said. "They see how guys react to it, whether you shut it down or keep working."
Injury update
Defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield has missed the past five games with an ankle injury and is listed as questionable, but he practiced Wednesday and might return to action Sunday.
"He made it through the entire practice," Callahan said.
Defensive tackle John Parrella (groin) was ruled out for the eighth straight week.
Strong safety Derrick Gibson (neck) is questionable but practiced. Right guard Mo Collins (knee), center Barret Robbins (knee) and defensive tackle Sean Gilbert (groin) missed practice. All three are questionable.
Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox (knee) is questionable.
Extra points
The Houston Texans signed safety Curry Burns off the Raiders practice squad. To replace Burns, the Raiders signed tight end David Newman.
by Eric Gilmore
Raiders notebook
ALAMEDA -- Pittsburgh in December? The Raiders know what to expect Sunday at Heinz Field.
"We know it's going to be cold," Raiders coach Bill Callahan said Wednesday. "It's supposed to be a high of 33 and a low of 11 degrees with snow and wind. We'll do the best we can to accommodate those conditions."
That could mean even more handoffs to 235-pound running back Tyrone Wheatley, whose workload has grown substantially since season-ending injuries to quarterbacks Rich Gannon and Marques Tuiasosopo.
Wheatley leads the team in carries (117) and rushing yards (483). Wheatley carried only 88 times in 2001 and 108 times last season.
"That's funny when a lot of people say reborn or revitalized," Wheatley said. "It's having the opportunity to play. ... Now it's my turn to run the ball."
Quarterback Rick Mirer grew up in Indiana and played for Notre Dame. He knows cold.
"I don't mind it too much," Mirer said. "I've done that before."
Eye in the sky
Although they're eliminated from playoff contention, the Raiders still have incentive to play hard, Callahan said.
"I'm a firm believer that what you put on film is your resume," Callahan said. "That's heavily critiqued throughout the league. ... Regardless of what your record is, you're still trying to do your best."
Many of Callahan's players echoed that belief. They know they're playing for their jobs, either with the Raiders or one of the NFL's other 31 teams.
"These four games are critical for a lot of guys, especially when you're having a rough year," fullback Chris Hetherington said. "They see how guys react to it, whether you shut it down or keep working."
Injury update
Defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield has missed the past five games with an ankle injury and is listed as questionable, but he practiced Wednesday and might return to action Sunday.
"He made it through the entire practice," Callahan said.
Defensive tackle John Parrella (groin) was ruled out for the eighth straight week.
Strong safety Derrick Gibson (neck) is questionable but practiced. Right guard Mo Collins (knee), center Barret Robbins (knee) and defensive tackle Sean Gilbert (groin) missed practice. All three are questionable.
Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox (knee) is questionable.
Extra points
The Houston Texans signed safety Curry Burns off the Raiders practice squad. To replace Burns, the Raiders signed tight end David Newman.